Father of Amber Athwal welcomes hearing for Edmonton dentist

A hearing has been set for Dr. William Mather, the Edmonton dentist charged with unprofessional conduct after administering a general anesthetic to four-year-old patient Amber Athwal, who suffered a permanent brain injury.

The hearing will commence Oct. 16, the Alberta Dental Association and College said Thursday. It is scheduled for three weeks, said Sarah Van Tassel, communications director with the association and college.

In an interview, Amber's father Ramandeep Singh said the family welcomes the hearing.

"We are pleased that the hearing has been scheduled and are hoping that this process will bring the answers that we are looking for," Singh said.

"For justice for Amber we can do anything. We are prepared for this long hearing."

The hearing is being held under the Health Professions Act. Nothing in the legislation prevents a family from having standing at the hearing, Van Tassel said.

Members of the public can attend but the hearing tribunal can close a portion or all of the hearing at any time.

Singh said the family is considering bringing Amber to the hearing.

"We will see," he said. "If Amber's condition gets more stable, then definitely we will, so the people present there at the hearing, and Dr. Mather, and the panel doctors, can see what is the condition of Amber."